The Effects of Age and Gender on the Weight and Use of Schoolbags

In Brief Purpose: To examine age and gender differences in schoolbag use and to compare findings in Greece with those of other countries. Method: Schoolbag weight and carrying characteristics were assessed in 703 boys and girls aged 6 to 14 years. Results: Multinomial logistic regression models showed that younger students (6–8 years) were almost 5 more times more likely to carry heavier schoolbags than older students (p < 0.05). Similarly, more girls than boys carried heavier bags, and girls were twice more likely to experience fatigue symptoms when carrying schoolbags compared with boys (p < 0.05). The mean schoolbag weight was 12.4% of the student's body weight and moderately heavier than that reported for other countries. Conclusions: Younger children are in greater need for education about schoolbag weight compared with older ones. There is also evidence that girls might experience more problems when carrying their schoolbag compared with boys. This study of schoolbag use is unique in its inclusion of younger children. The authors conclude that young children are in greater need for education about schoolbag weight than are older children. There is also evidence that girls might experience more problems when carrying a schoolbag than boys.